Obituary

Donald "Don" Jimmy Slaven

June 9, 1941 - December 10, 2025

Donald "Don" Jimmy Slaven died at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, surrounded by family members and loved ones. He was born on June 9, 1941, in Mt. Hermon, LA where he was a lifelong resident. At an early age, Don learned to hunt and fish and not just for fun but for subsistence. He loved to wade the local creeks for bass and tightline or set limb hooks for catfish on the Bogue Chitto and Tangipahoa Rivers. He would later pass on his knowledge and love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Don graduated from Mt. Hermon High School in 1959. During high school, Don excelled on the basketball court and was voted male athlete of the year during his senior year. He also enjoyed playing “fast pitch” softball during and after his high school years and was a phenomenal pitcher as acknowledged by many in the local community. Following high school, Don served in the Army Reserve for one term and started what would be his 42-year career as a “rod buster.” His work was hard, but he loved the comradeship with his fellow workers and what they accomplished in contributing to the building of many notable structures in and around New Orleans to include the Super Dome, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the Audubon Aquarium, and many high-rise buildings. Don also had a passion for gardening where he planted all different types of vegetables, but his favorite was planting and eating fresh boiled peanuts. More than anything, Don loved to spend time with family and friends, and he loved to cook for them and tell stories of past exploits and provide advice on a wide range of topics. By far, Don’s most notable accomplishment in life was taking care of his wife, Patricia, who was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s, and he remained by her side as she battled the disease for 14 years until her death. He remained true to their marriage vows to the very end! Don will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his children; son Chris Slaven and wife Nicole from Brandon, MS; daughter Andrea Slaven from Mt. Hermon, LA; son Scott Slaven and wife Sheryl from Hammond, LA. Seven grandchildren; Joshua and Gunner Slaven from Hammond, LA; Landon and Allie Slaven from Brandon, MS; Jaxon and Harley Slaven from Mt. Hermon, LA; and Brielle Nowell from Denver, CO. One great grandchild; Kayden Cole Slaven from Hammond, LA. One sister, Wanda Lee from Baton Rouge, LA.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia Ann Burch Slaven and grandson Colby Slaven. His brothers Melvin, Vernon “Sonny”, Kenneth, and sister Betty Truxillo. His parents Newt Slaven and Lena Johnson Slaven.

Pallbearers: Joshua Slaven, Gunner Slaven, Landon Slaven, Jaxon Slaven, Dewayne Bennett, and Jay Hewitt.

Special Friends: J.W. Bryant, Kermit Simmons, and Frank Johnson.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to all that provided care to Don during the final stage of his life to include the following: the nurses and staff from Pulse Hospice (Chaplain Cody Warren, Shani Schexnayder RN, Ashley Redmond RN, Jenny Stewart, Kashonda Conerly, Robin Woodall) his daughter Andrea who provided “around the clock” care, his special niece, Dr. Karla Lee, daughter in law, Sheryl Slaven RN, and sisters in law Kay Rogers and Virginia Burch.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Sunday December 14th from 12:00 pm until 2:00pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Sunday with Rev. Cecil Burch officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hermon Cemetery.